Kotowski Re-elected, O’Donnell Loses in 28th Illinois Senate

Months of door-to-door conversations, speeches, debates and phone calls from the campaigns of incumbent Sen. Dan Kotowski, Democrat, and first-time political candidate and business executive Jim O’Donnell, Republican, culminated in great anticipation of election results on Nov. 6. Both candidates for the 28th Illinois Senate District, which includes portions of Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Rosemont and Schaumburg, hosted campaign events for supporters as votes were tallied on Tuesday night.

Update 9:50 p.m. - Senator Kotowski just made a victory speech, saying it would be statisically impossible for his Republican opponent, Jim O'Donnell, to win at this point. 

"At the end of the day, it wasn't about keeping the job. It's about doing what's right," he said.

He thanked a room full of supporters at the Ram Tavern in Schaumburg, saying he won even in red areas, and was up by 14 points, thanks to his campaign volunteers.

Update 9:42 p.m. - Kotowski continues his lead of about 10,000 votes with 115 of 126 precincts reporting.

Update - 8:43 p.m. - With more than 100 people at Senator Dan Kotowski's party at the Ram Tavern in Schaumburg, Kotowski says he is waiting for his opponent to call and concede. He says its statistically impossible for O'Donnell to win at this point.

Kotwoski continues his lead, claiming more than 30,000 votes to O'Donnell's 23,505. Ninety-seven of 126 precincts have reported.

Update - 7:56 p.m. Kotowski has taken an early lead, but it's still too close to call. He currently has 5,949 votes while his opponent, O'Donnell, has 4,518 votes. Only 27 of  the 157 precincts have reported. 

Update - 4:17 p.m. - No numbers have been released from the Cook County Clerk's office, although those numbers should come in soon. 

GO BACK TO THE ILLINOIS ELECTION CENTRAL

Sign up for Patch’s daily newsletter, delivered to you inbox with news, information and community.

Find Patch on Facebook and click the like button.